North from Ribblehead Viaduct to the aqueduct near Force Gill, then north-east across Blea Moor to Dent Head Farm. Through the valley of Dentdale on the Dales Way, which follows the course of the River Dee, all the way to Whernside Manor. South-east via the Dales High Way across Great Wold, then generally south back to the starting point. A 15-mile walk in the Yorkshire Dales.
Recommended Ordnance Survey Map
The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the Yorkshire Dales Southern & Western Area, reference OS Explorer OL2, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.
Standard Version
Ribblehead Viaduct, with Whernside in the background.
Blea Moor railway signal box.
Aquaduct in Little Dale, carrying water from Force Gill over the Settle to Carlisle railway line.
The point at which I part company with the many walkers attempting the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. The popular path on the left leads to Whernside. My path is on the right and follows the course of Bleamoor Tunnel to Dent Head.
The southern entrance of Bleamoor Tunnel.
A train enters Bleamoor Tunnel as I’m passing.
When Bleamoor Tunnel was built, seven shafts were sunk from the moor above to aid construction. Three still remain for ventilation purposes.
Whernside as seen from Crag Side.
Looking back down the ‘Bleamoor Tunnel’ footpath, with Whernside on the right and the silhouette of Ingleborough on the left.
The view towards Dent Head, backed by Wold Fell (right) and Great Knoutberry Hill (left). The Settle to Carlisle railway line and Dent Head Viaduct are just visible.
The view towards Dent Head, backed by Wold Fell (right) and Great Knoutberry Hill (left). The Settle to Carlisle railway line and Dent Head Viaduct are just visible.
The Settle to Carlisle railway line at the northern entrance of Bleamoor Tunnel.
The northern entrance of Bleamoor Tunnel.
Lovely countryside just south of Dent Head Farm.
Dent Head Viaduct behind the trees.
Bridge End Cottage by the side of the River Dee.
Arten Gill Viaduct.
The Sportsman’s Inn, Cow Dub.
The River Dee at Harbourgill.
The River Dee at Cowgill.
Superb views of Dentdale from the Dales Way.
The view of Great Knoutberry Hill from the Dales High Way on Great Wold.
Heading south-east on the The Dales High Way. Ingleborough is visible on the horizon (centre).
Looking east towards the track and spoil heaps above Bleamoor Tunnel.
Heading back to the aqueduct near Force Gill.
The area in shadow on the left is Force Gill, but we’ve had a dry spell and the waterfalls are not so forceful.
The Settle to Carlisle railway line entering Bleamoor Tunnel.
Ribblehead Viaduct with Park Fell, Simon Fell and Ingleborough in the background.
